Danger Level and Key Points
Danger Level
• Entire Country
• Level 1: Exercise Caution. (Continued)
Key Points
• In Equatorial Guinea, there are several factors contributing to social unrest, such as dissatisfaction with the long-standing regime, economic deterioration, and increasing income inequality. Additionally, there have been multiple coup attempts in the past. It is essential to remain vigilant regarding the security and political situation.
• The Gulf of Guinea is plagued by frequent incidents of piracy, including kidnappings and robberies by armed groups. Therefore, it is crucial to exercise heightened caution when traveling by sea.
Details
1. Overview
1. In November 2022, presidential, senatorial, parliamentary, and local elections were held. Incumbent President Obiang Nguema was re-elected with approximately 95% of the vote, and the ruling coalition secured all seats. The continuation of President Nguema’s long-term regime, which has been in place since 1979, along with suspicions of election fraud, contribute to social unrest. Additionally, due to the history of multiple coup attempts, it is crucial to remain vigilant about the security and political situation.
2. In Equatorial Guinea, besides the economic deterioration, the widening income gap among the population due to the production and export activities of oil and liquefied natural gas are contributing to social unrest, leading to an unstable security situation.
3. In the Gulf of Guinea, there are frequent incidents of piracy, including kidnappings and robberies by armed groups. For instance, in March 2020, a commercial ship departing from the Port of Bata was attacked by armed groups while navigating near Port Gentil (Gabon), and in May 2020, a cargo ship near Malabo and a motorboat docked at Luba Port were attacked, resulting in the kidnapping of crew members. In December 2022, a piracy incident occurred where one crew member was killed and six others were abducted. Therefore, it is essential to exercise caution when traveling by sea.
4. In Equatorial Guinea, there have been no confirmed cases of Japanese nationals being harmed by terrorism. However, terrorism has been occurring worldwide, including in Western and Asian countries frequently visited by Japanese nationals, and there have been confirmed cases of Japanese victims. Recently, there have been frequent terrorist attacks by lone individuals and those targeting places where large numbers of civilians gather, such as tourist facilities, event venues, restaurants, hotels, shopping malls, public transportation, and religious sites. These locations are particularly prone to being targeted by terrorists, so it is important to remain vigilant. Furthermore, kidnapping incidents by pirates have been frequent near Bioko Island, necessitating caution. Recognize that terrorism can occur anywhere, and Japanese nationals can become targets of terrorism or kidnapping. It is important to take appropriate and sufficient safety measures to avoid becoming involved in such incidents.
2. Regional Situation
• Entire Country
• Level 1: Exercise Caution. (Continued)
1. In Equatorial Guinea, the economic situation has deteriorated, and the income gap among citizens has widened due to the production and export activities of oil and liquefied natural gas, contributing to social unrest. The security situation is unstable, especially in the capital Malabo and the economic city of Bata, where crimes targeting the wealthy by the impoverished population are prevalent. Additionally, residents of Asian descent are often perceived as carrying large amounts of cash, making them more susceptible to becoming targets of crime, so it is necessary to exercise caution.
2. In March 2021, a large explosion occurred in an ammunition depot at a military facility in Bata, resulting in numerous casualties.
3. In January 2018, the Equatorial Guinean government announced that it had thwarted a plan by forces opposing President Obiang Nguema to attack the president using foreign mercenaries from Chad, Sudan, and the Central African Republic. Although President Nguema has maintained a long-term regime since 1979, there have been several coup attempts in the past, making it important to remain vigilant about the political situation.
4. Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon have long-standing border issues. Despite ongoing negotiations between the two countries, the situation near the border remains unstable, with concerns over potential armed conflicts.
5. In Malabo, the capital, there was an incident where a Japanese national was detained by security forces for taking photographs near government facilities. If traveling or staying in rural or remote areas, it is essential to gather information on the local situation and ensure safety measures are in place, including having means of communication in case of an emergency.
3. Precautions While Staying
1. When traveling to Equatorial Guinea, it is important to obtain the latest information from the Japanese Embassy in Gabon (which covers Equatorial Guinea), local authorities, and media outlets, and take all necessary precautions to ensure personal safety.
2. While staying in the country, exercise caution and avoid dangerous areas. There is no Japanese embassy or consulate in Equatorial Guinea. In case of an emergency, such as an incident or accident, contact the Japanese Embassy in Gabon.
3. When traveling abroad, make sure to inform family, friends, and your workplace of your itinerary and contact information at your destination as a precaution. Those staying for more than three months should submit a residency report to the Japanese Embassy in Gabon to ensure they can be contacted in case of an emergency.
4. Neighboring countries Cameroon and Gabon have also issued danger warnings, so please keep this in mind as well.
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